Stupid Sexy Privacy

Latest Episodes:

154 Million People Are Politically Unaffiliated. We're Going to Mobilize Them Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

Nearly half of all Americans are politically unaffiliated—and vulnerable. This week, B.J. Mendelson explains why oligarchs are terrified of this silent majority, and what you need to do right now to protect yourself and organize your community. If you're one of the 154 million, this episode is required listening.

This Chevy Tahoe Is Hoovering Up Your Data Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

In part 2 of our interview with Stevie Glaberson, Director of Research & Advocacy for the Center on Privacy & Technology. Stevie shares with BJ what the Chattery Supreme Court decision leaves unresolved—specifically, whether warrant requirements will actually limit police power in practice. We then talk about the Flock cameras at Woodbury Common—a major tourist hub in Orange County where private security cameras feed footage to local police without clear policies on who else accesses it. Finally, we talk how meaningful change comes through community organizing and state action.

Inside the Coming Gen AI Crash: Brains, Water, and Money Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Kim Crawley joins BJ Mendelson in this bonus episode to discuss her new Kickstarter-funded book: A sharp look at what happens after the Gen AI bubble collapses. Kim explains why she believes the damage will ripple through climate systems, mental habits, and everyday life, especially for kids being pushed to rely on AI too early. Along the way, Kim shares how she researches her work, why she archives everything, and what she thinks a healthier web might look like next. You're going to want to listen to this one.

This Supreme Court Ruling Might Protect You From ICE Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

This week, BJ is joined by Stevie Gleiberson, Director of Research and Advocacy at Georgetown Law’s Center on Privacy and Technology. We talk about police use geofence warrants and other location-data tools to track people, how the Supreme Court’s Carpenter and Chatrie decisions shape digital privacy, and why tech companies and data brokers have become central players in modern surveillance. We also talk about ICE’s data collection, the risks for protesters, and practical ways people can think about staying safer.

Your Feed Is One Big Unlicensed Wellness Crisis Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

This week, Dr. Taisha Caldwell Harvey joins BJ to break down the difference between gaslighting, imposter syndrome, and trauma—and why social media keeps getting them wrong. She also shares practical, evidence-based ways to protect your mental health when therapy is out of reach. We're big believers that hurt people hurt people, so listen up. We all need therapy right now.

Reminder: The GENIUS Act Puts Us At Risk Another Financial Meltdown Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

BJ thinks Crypto is a scam. Rosie disagrees. So this week, BJ interviews Dr. Algernon Austin, a sharp voice on race, money, and the hidden machinery of power. He’s here to break down why crypto, stablecoins, and the GENIUS Act have everyone arguing — and why the real winners may be the rich, the loud, and the well-connected. Not you.

'Mass Deportation Now': How Evil Slogans Beat Complex Truth Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

This week, Rosie and Andrew expose the unholy alliance between the wellness industry and fascist influencers, revealing how unregulated product peddlers launder money through fake engagement metrics to amplify dangerous extremists. BJ is then joined by Amy S. Greenberg, author of "A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico" to talk about a little-known moment in American history that informs a lot of today's hype and exaggeration created by fascists involving the border.

Everyone Will Hate You, But You Need To Become a Journalist Anyway Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

This week, Rosie reads you an excerpt from How to Protect Yourself From Fascists & Weirdos about how to become a journalist, and why you can help millions of Americans, right now, by becoming one. BJ is then joined by Dr. Daniel R. Kelly, co-author of Someone Should Do Something, about the need for all of us to step up and be the change we want to see in our world. No one else will do it for you.

Help! Anthropic Stole Our Book. Now What? Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Bartz v. Anthropic is a major court case that you might not have heard of. But BJ has, because Anthropic stole his book, "Social Media Is Bullshit," along with thousands of other books from authors, in order to train their Claude model. This week, we're joined by Authors Guild CEO Mary Rasenberger to help break down what's happening.

Sugar, Like Citizens United and Corporate Greed, Will Kill You Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

This week, BJ is joined by Dr. Robert Lustig. A Professor emeritus of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology at UCSF, and the author of numerous books you should read, including The Hacking of the American Mind, which is the subject of this week's interview. Dr. Lustig had a lot to say about the power corporations wield over us, Citizens United, and why you should cut as much sugar from your diet as you can. That's because, like the end result of Citizens United, sugar could kill you. Politically speaking of course.

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